New German Battle! 2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 BMW X3

For those looking to buy a new luxury car, chances are you have considered something in the luxury compact SUV segment. It’s red hot with many competitive options, and two of the most popular have long been the BMW X3 and Audi Q5. Audi used to hold the best-seller crown in the US but lost it to the X3 a few years back. This year, both brands are intensifying the rivalry and looking to shake things up with all-new versions. So, who wins in a 2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 BMW X3 battle? That’s what we’re here to find out!

Pricing and Equipment

So, before we get started with the comparison of the exteriors, interiors, and driving experiences, let’s first establish things with the pricing. 

Starting with the BMW, we have a very nicely equipped X3 30 xDrive with all the options people usually select. It comes to a total price of $60,875.

BMW X3 30 xDrive: $49,500 | Options: +$10,200 | Destination: $1,175 | Total: $60,875

Moving to the Audi, it saw a big jump in pricing this year. An equivalently equipped model is the Prestige trim, and that rings in a couple thousand dollars more than the BMW at $63,290.

Q5 Prestige Quattro: $60,600 | Options: +$1,395 | Destination: $1,295 | Total: $63,290

Exterior Design

Starting things out with the exterior designs, we have a very different approach despite them both just being completely redesigned. Audi went with a very subdued approach for this new model, while BMW certainly took a bold turn with the X3. While we won’t be awarding points based on design preferences, and we’d be curious to hear your thoughts on that in the comments, we will award points for the lighting.

X3 has full projector LED headlights as standard equipment, while our Q5 only has projector low beams and reflector high beams.

That’s not the whole story, though. Only the Audi includes customizable DRL designs as well as elaborate animations as you approach and leave the vehicle.

Continuing to the side, even though the Audi has grown by about an inch and a half for the new generation, it’s still a little shorter than the X3. For wheels, the BMW has showier 21-inch alloys as equipped, compared to the Audi’s plainer 20-inchers. That’s not quite at the 5% threshold required to score a point.

Length: 187.2-inches (X3) | 185.7-inches (Q5)

Now as we move around back, we once again see very different approaches to the design – and I mean very different. The Audi is modest and the X3 bold; but as equipped, they both have rear spoilers, fully LED taillights, and exposed exhaust outlets in the case of the Audi.

If you want to tow, Audi has about a 10% advantage at 4,400 pounds as a maximum.

Towing (max): X3: 4,000 lbs | Q5: 4,400 lbs

Additional Features

Now checking out some of the individual features, both of their mirrors are loaded and have heating, power folding, auto dimming, and blind spot monitoring. 

As far as the other safety systems, they have all the regular systems plus some extra fancy ones like assisted lane changing.

Speaking of extra, the BMW includes an extra 3 years of complimentary maintenance compared to none on the Audi. Otherwise, their basic and powertrain warranties match each other.

Warranties (both): Basic and Powertrain: 4yr/50,000 miles | 3yr/36k mi Comp. Main. (BMW)

But the interiors are perhaps even more different, so let’s dive into them.

Interior Design

As we walk up to the two crossovers and pull out the keys, you’ll find smart entry systems and decently nice key fobs. BMW includes remote start on the fob itself, subscription free for life.

After opening the doors, we have very modern-looking interiors that put the emphasis on tech. They are available in a wide variety of colors, but only the Audi will include real leather as standard equipment compared to Vengaza faux leather in the X3.

As far as the actual seat functions, both have a ton of adjustments. They include 4-way lumbar and manual thigh extension, plus the BMW includes power bolster adjustment as well.

In addition, they both have memory functions, heating, and ventilation. 

But once we climb inside the cabins, we can check out the overall material quality. Here, they both leave a little to be desired. Their previous generations used more wood, leather and posh materials, but their new tech-forward approaches remove some of that. While both are still pretty nice, be aware that other rivals like the Mercedes GLC and Genesis GV70 will have more premium cabins, and between the two, we will call this section a tie.

But now it’s time to look at all that tech I was mentioning. First, looking at the gauges, they have large 11.9 and 12.3-inch reconfigurable ones. In addition, both include large head-up displays so you don’t even have to look down. 

Coming back to the steering wheels, these two both have leather-wrapped wheels despite the Audi’s controversial two-spoke design. Feel in the hand is nice, especially when their heating functions are on, but only the Q5 has power tilt/telescoping.

Storage and Technology

Now let’s move on to interior storage. This is an area that is improved for both models this year, and starting with the center consoles, they both have a good amount of space. We measure console volume with donuts, and the BMW can handle 10 vs. 8 in the Audi.  It also has a little bit more storage space in its other cubbies compared to the Q5, so it’ll take the storage point.

Both additionally have wireless phone chargers and electronic shifters. When in reverse, they have 360-degree camera systems and parking sensors. 

And now that brings us to the volume controls. Overall audio quality is impressive for both, but we’d give the slight edge to the Audi with its 3 more speakers and more watts of power.

X3: 600-watt, 16-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system

Q5: 755-watt, 19-speaker Bang and Olufsen 3D sound system

But now it’s time to dive into climate. Here, those of you who prefer simple controls will be disappointed in both, but even more so in the BMW. While both have fully digitized climate adjustment, in the BMW, adjusting the vents is done with a tiny roller under the vent, which is very hard to point while driving. Because of that, we’ll give the Audi a half-point advantage for ease of use, even though it itself could be simpler.

It’ll also get a half point since it’s 3-zones standard as compared to dual zone in the X3.

Alright, but moving past that, we have a lot of other functions living inside the large displays. How large you ask? The Audi’s measures in at 14.5 inches and the BMW 14.9 inches, and functionally speaking, they have the same main features including navigation, wireless AA and wireless ACP. 

The Audi is perhaps even more tech-centered with a new passenger display for Prestige models. That measures in at 10.9 inches and allows the passenger to do things like watch YouTube.

Finally, to wrap up the interiors, both have auto-dimming mirrors and panoramic sunroofs. However, for the new generation, BMW moved to a fixed glass setup so only the Q5’s sunroof will open.

Rear Seats and Cargo

Now it’s time to head for the back seats. These crossovers are often used as small family vehicles, and occupants will be happy with plenty of leg and headroom in both models. Dimensionally speaking, they are very similar to each other and there is not enough difference to score a point.

X3: Legroom: 36.3-inches | Headroom: 38.2-inches 

Q5: Legroom: 38.0-inches | Headroom: 37.8-inches

And as far as the features back here, both have air vents and USB ports for keeping things charged up. Audi takes the opportunity to pull ahead by also giving heated back seats and sunshades, which are extra costs on the X3.

Moving out back, both have hands-free power tailgates, and once they open, the X3 makes a comeback. It was already bigger than Q5 and it gets even larger this year, so in both seating configurations, it has a significant advantage.

X3: Seats up: 31.5 cu.ft | Seats folded: 67.1 cu.ft 

Q5: Seats up: 27.6 cu. ft. | Seats folded: 56.9 cu. ft.

The seats can be folded 40/20/40 split in both, but easily folded on the Q5 since it has handles in the cargo area. There are also spare tires below the floor.

But as you can see, it’s still a very tight race, so now let’s take them out on a spin and see who’s going to come out on top!

Powertrains

So heading out on the road with these two crossovers, it’s typical for German automakers to match each other tit-for-tat and that is indeed the case here. Both are using 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engines that have mild hybrid systems… well used to at least. In the US, Audi removed the mild hybrid system for the all-new model, but it still has a significant horsepower advantage and quicker 0-60 compared to the X3. Torque is the same, at 295 lb.ft.

X3 30: 2.0L Turbo I-4 w/48v Mild Hybrid: 255 hp | 295 lb. ft | 6.0s 0-60

Q5: 2.0L Turbo I-4: 268 hp | 295 lb.ft | 5.8s 0-60

As far as the rest of the powertrains, the X3 has an 8-speed automatic transmission compared to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic in the Q5. Both of them operate smoothly as they route power to the AWD systems, but the lack of mild hybrid system does mean the Q5 stumbles upon restart compared to the super smooth BMW.

Test Drive and Fuel Economy

Now let’s talk about the ride and handling. Overall, both are more luxury-oriented than they are sporty which does mean that they both ride very comfortably. Audi goes a step further, though, and includes a full air suspension and adaptive dampers which gives it more ride customization, but the BMW is going to prioritize handling more with better steering and body control while cornering.

Now, while you’re cruising down the highway, it’s also very important for your luxury SUV to be serene, so let’s check the sound level readings as we always do here at Car Confections. The new Q5 comes in at an impressively quiet 53 dB making it the second quietest cabin in the segment. The X3 was tested out of state in South Carolina, so because of the potential differences in variables, we won’t award points, but here is its score for your reference until we test it back home in Kentucky.

X3: 56.4 dB @ 55 MPH

Q5: 53.0 dB @ 55 MPH

And lastly, for fuel economy, the X3 takes a large lead due to its mild hybrid system and efficient engine. While Q5 isn’t bad at 25 MPG, the X3 comes in at a class-leading 4 MPG better combined which will save you a lot at the pump.

X3 AWD: 27/33/29 MPG

Q5 AWD: 22/30/25 MPG

Reliability, Resale, and Value

In our reviews and comparisons, we are also adding in reliability and resale information to give you a better picture of the overall value beyond just the original MSRP. 

Beginning with reliability, we developed the Combined Reliability Index, which takes into account several studies from trustworthy sources, and combines them in a way that gives a more realistic picture. In this respect, the BMW pulls ahead: BMW is rated 1 spot above industry average, but Audi on the other hand is 9 spots below average.

We also put Mason’s economics degree to work to develop a detailed Predicted Resale Value tool. After 5 years and 60,000 miles, they both are on the lower side for resale value. The BMW is slightly higher at 41.19% of value retained after 5 years and 60,000 miles, while Audi comes in about a half percent lower at 40.51%.

Resale is obviously important because it determines how much money you get back, but we can’t forget about the price difference at the original purchase. There is a $2,415 difference between the two of them.

I want to emphasize that if money, reliability or resale value matter less to you personally, feel free to disregard these points. And if you’d like to check out all our data about reliability and resale values, as well as learn about our methodology, make sure to head to www.carconfections.com/resale and www.carconfections.com/reliability. Buying a car is a big decision, and this is a great place to compare all the makes you might be cross-shopping.

2026 Audi Q5 vs. 2025 BMW X3 Winner!

So that’s it for another exciting comparison, between these two redesigned German luxury SUVs! Let’s quickly recap here and discuss who should be “your” personal winner.

BMW: 

• Bold design
• More space in cargo area/cabin storage
• Best fuel economy

Audi: 

• Subdued exterior design
• More adaptable ride (air suspension/adaptive dampers)
• More luxury features (heated rear seats/3 zone climate, opening moonroof)

Now we want to know your opinions, so make sure to head to the comment section and let us know which one you would pick!

Thanks for joining us for another Car Confections Comparison! We’ll catch you next time as we sample the latest automotive delicacies!